Harpswell’s annual roadside cleanup in commemoration of Earth Day will take place the week of April 19-25. Earth Day, April 22, is right in the middle of the week.
This tradition, dedicated to founder John Gilliam, seeks to clear Harpswell’s roadsides of trash. The event relies on volunteers to clean up litter for pickup by volunteers in the early afternoon on Saturday, April 25. Harpswell’s Recycling Committee, Department of Recreation and Community Services, and Conservation Commission help make the event possible.
Trash bags will be available at the Bailey Island General Store, Uncle Pete’s Community Market, and the Harpswell Town Office, thanks to the Recreation Department. Volunteers can also use their own trash bags. Returnable bottles and cans can be collected in separate bags for redemption or donation.
After collecting a winter’s worth of litter, volunteers are asked to leave full trash bags on Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell Islands Road, Mountain Road, or Cundy’s Harbor Road. All volunteers are invited to enjoy pizza at the Town Office on Mountain Road at noon on Saturday.
On Saturday afternoon, volunteers will pick up the trash bags from the roadsides and take them to Harpswell’s Recycling Center and Transfer Station.
Over the years, volunteers have rid Harpswell’s roadsides of tons of trash and returned hundreds of cans and bottles, but miles of roads are missed. Organizers hope for even more volunteers to help clean up the roadsides this year.
Gina Snyder, Great Island
Member, Harpswell Recycling Committee
